Top 10 Indian cities in 2016 as voted by travellers

Updated on March 28, 2016 12:46 pm

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Every year, travel website TripAdvisor gives out its Travelers' Choice awards to the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, beaches, etc., as voted by their users, contributors and experts. The list is based on votes from millions of travellers worldwide. Here's a list of the Top 10 Indian cities that made it to the list for 2016.

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10. Manali, Himachal Pradesh: In Hinduism, Manu was said to have survived a great flood that destroyed the rest of the world. He then recreated mankind in this Kullu Valley town. What a rush, huh? No wonder the towering peaks and verdant terrain of Manali attracts adventure travellers, with heli-skiing, hiking, mountaineering and river rafting the favored active pursuits. Come down from your endorphin high by breathing deeply at the four-story, wooden Hidimba Devi Temple, which sits in the middle of a nearby deciduous forest, or take a medicinal soak in the hot springs burbling from the ground a 30-minute walk from town. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Biswarup Ganguly/Creative Commons)

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9. Kochi, Kerala: Look for spicy dishes flavoured with tamarind and coconut in Kochi, and don’t be surprised if your dinner is served up on a banana leaf. The region is a major banana-growing area, and traditional Kochi cuisine employs the fruit in many dishes, both sweet and savoury. Coconut water provides a refreshing and sweet contrast to the piquant food. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Brian Snelson/Creative Commons)

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8. Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Where better to go for a romantic holiday than to the great testament of love, the Taj Mahal? Built by the grieving Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal’s unrivaled beauty explains why it’s regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. A visit to India wouldn’t be complete without it. Other must-experience destinations in Agra are two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the sandstone Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Yann/Creative Commons)

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7. Bengaluru, Karnataka: Known as both the "Garden City" and "The Silicon Valley of India," Bangalore (officially "Bengaluru") is a techie’s paradise, boasting the highest concentration of IT companies in the country. When you’re done geeking out, there are plenty of gardens, museums, natural features, palaces and temples to fill your dance card. Visit Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park and the Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore, well known for its beautiful locales and boating facilities. Bangalore is also a major centre of Indian classical music and dance, and of vivid, cutting-edge nightlife. (Source: Tripadvisor)

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6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: The dramatic and romantic desert fortress of Jaisalmer is an exotic city in Rajasthan’s great Thar Desert. "The Golden City" rose to prominence as a result of its position on camel trade routes. It's now most famous for the 12th-century fort and ornate "Havelis," fine merchant-built houses and pavilions in the city’s mediaeval lanes. The surrounding Desert National Park offers opportunities to observe blackbucks, desert foxes and chinkaras amid the rolling dunes, rugged crags and waterholes. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Creative Commons)

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5. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, boasts several sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the Aravail hills. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, islands in Fateh Sagar Lake, are the site of Udaipur Solar Observatory and Nehru Garden. Famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace, now a luxurious five-star hotel, and the massive City Palace on Pichola’s east bank, featuring epic courtyards and stunning paintings. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Dennis Jarvis/Creative Commons)

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4. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), India, is famous for its chaotic streets. For bargains and people-watching, outdoor bazaars top the list of attractions. Popular waterfront destinations are Marine Drive, where visitors go to watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea, and the carnival-like Juhu Beach. More sightseeing options are the Gandhi Museum, in the leader's former home, and the cave temples of Elephanta Island. For tranquillity, Mumbai has many religious sites, lakes and parks. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Pdpics.com/Creative Commons)

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3. Goa: East meets West in this sun-soaked state, where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists. To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Thinkstock Images)

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2. Jaipur, Rajasthan: If you take one look at the glorious stucco buildings that line Jaipur's wide streets, you'll understand why this is nicknamed "The Pink City." Spend your days exploring City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amber and Jaigarh forts. And if you're looking for a unique souvenir, head to one of the bazaars, where you can pick up a pair of camel-leather slippers. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Creative Commons)

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1. Delhi: Laid out by British architect Edwin Lutyens, the Indian capital is a striking modern metropolis. A gracious contrast to Old Delhi's winding streets, the grand avenues and stately buildings of New Delhi are rich with history and culture, from Gandhi's Delhi home (and the site of his assassination) to the tomb of Humayun, a complex of Mughal buildings reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Chaotic traffic is best left to the locals. Negotiate a good price for taxis or travel on the new Delhi Metro. (Source: Tripadvisor; Image: Creative Commons)

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Every year, travel website TripAdvisor gives out its Travelers' Choice awards to the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, beaches, etc., as voted by their users, contributors and experts. The list is based on votes from millions of travellers worldwide. Here's a list of the Top 10 beaches in India that made it to the list for 2016.

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1. Agonda beach, Goa: Agonda is the Goan beach to head to if you are looking for the pristine beauty of a beach devoid of the hustle bustle and maddening crowds. It is famous as a nesting site for the endangered Ridley turtles. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

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2. Palolem beach, Goa: Palolem beach is another peaceful tourist attraction in Goa. A hit with foreigners, Palolem also provides affordable food options and is a delight in the evenings with plenty of live music and entertainment options. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

4. Mandrem beach, Goa: Mandrem beach has less choppy waters as compared to other Goan beaches, making it excellent for swimming and diving. It is perfect for classic beach activities like playing Volleyball. (Source: Simon Alexander Jacob via Flickr)

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5. Cavelossim beach, Goa: Cavelossim is dotted with black lava rocks posing in contrast with the white sand. It was the original abode of the goddess Shri Shantadurga, whose idol was later taken to Kawlem during the Portuguese invasion. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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6. Morjim beach, Goa: Morjim beach is one of the most secluded beaches in Northern Goa. It is also called the 'little Russia' due to the high influx of Russian expats. Most tourists prefer shacks on the beachside. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

8. Benaulim beach, Goa: Earlier known as Banavalli, this beach is located in the town of Benaulim along the scenic South Goan coastline. Ruins of an ancient Shiva-Parvati temple can still be found here. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

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9. Varkala beach, Kerala: Varkala is the only beach in Kerala where cliffs can be found adjacent to the coastline. Apart from tourists, it also receives a huge influx of pilgrims headed to the famous Sree Janardana Temple situated nearby. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

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10. Dhanushkodi beach, Tamil Nadu: Dhanushkodi is considered a sacred confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. Due to its mythological significance — Lord Rama is said to have broken his bow here — it receives a lot of pilgrims who stop by for a ritualistic bath before heading onwards to Rameswaram. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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Every year, travel website Tripadvisor gives out its Travelers' Choice awards to the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, beaches, etc., as voted by their users, contributors and experts. The list is based on votes from millions of travellers worldwide. Here's a list of the Top 10 hotels in India that made it to the list for 2016.